The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released Randy Gregory, a decision rooted in a series of no-shows and unmet expectations. The once-promising second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys signed a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract with the Buccaneers in April, yet his tenure with the team was marred with absences and missed commitments.
A Rocky Relationship
Gregory's stint with the Buccaneers can be aptly described as tumultuous. Despite being signed on with much anticipation, Gregory never formally joined the team in practice. His absences began early in the season when he did not report to the Buccaneers' minicamp in June. Things took a turn for the worse when Gregory missed the first 24 days of training camp, raising concerns among the team’s management and coaching staff.
Coach’s Perspective
Tampa Bay’s head coach, Todd Bowles, was succinct in his remarks regarding Gregory’s release. "No, I never found out. I wish him the best. We'll move on from there. You can't miss what you never had," Bowles commented. His words underline a sense of resignation but also highlight the reality that Gregory had not made any tangible contributions to the team.
Gregory’s Career Troubles
At 31 years old, Gregory’s career has been a mixed bag of promise and disappointment. Originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, he was released by the Denver Broncos halfway through a five-year, $70 million contract. His time with the Broncos ended in a lawsuit against both the team and the NFL earlier this offseason. Adding to his troubles, Gregory was fined over $500,000 last year for testing positive for THC—a substance prescribed to him for social anxiety disorder and PTSD.
In an effort to revive his career, Gregory had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter portion of the 2023 season. However, his inability to adhere to team obligations ultimately augured poorly for his time with the Buccaneers.
Buccaneers’ Decision
The Buccaneers' decision to release Gregory seemed almost inevitable given his repeated absences. For a team that places significant emphasis on reliability and commitment, Gregory’s pattern of nonattendance was a critical issue. The organization decided to free up the roster spot, a move that underscores their readiness to prioritize players who are fully onboard with their values and goals.
For now, Randy Gregory’s future in the NFL remains in limbo. With a history marked by both potential and inconsistency, his next steps in professional football, if any, will be watched closely. As the Buccaneers move on, they can focus on fostering a team environment where commitment and reliability are paramount, hopefully steering clear of any similar issues in the future.